The Samtec SMA-P-C-H-ST-CA1 is a straight SMA plug with a male pin, built for RG-174 and RG-316 coaxial cable. The 50 Ohm impedance and 20 GHz max frequency put it in the standard SMA bandwidth class, good for RF test leads, antenna feeds, and short-run interconnects where signal integrity matters up through Ku-band. The threaded coupling gives a vibration-resistant mate that stays put once torqued, and the gold-over-brass body and center contact keep corrosion off the RF path in outdoor or industrial cabinets.
Termination Sequence — Solder the Pin, Crimp the Shield
The solder joint gives a solid electrical connection to the brass pin, while the crimp handles the braid termination and strain relief. The PTFE dielectric in the connector body keeps the impedance consistent through the transition from cable to connector. For RG-174 and RG-316, the cable strip lengths and crimp die selection follow standard SMA practice — the ferrule compresses onto the jacket and braid together, and the center pin solder cup accepts the tinned conductor. Seal it once, walk away.
The SMA-P-C-H-RA-CA1 is the right-angle version of this same plug — same 50 Ohm impedance, same 20 GHz bandwidth, same cable group and three-piece kit. The straight SMA-P-C-H-ST-CA1 is the cleaner RF path through the connector body; the right-angle variant introduces a bend that adds a small reflection but saves space in a tight enclosure. If your cable exits perpendicular to the board or panel, the RA version fits. For a straight-through run where you want the shortest signal path, the ST version is the call.
Mating Receptacles and Field Swap
Two common Samtec jacks that pair with it are the SMA-J-P-H-ST-EM1 and SMA-J-P-H-ST-MT1 — both are straight, bulkhead-mountable jacks with gold plating and 50 Ohm impedance. The EM1 uses a beryllium copper center contact, the MT1 uses a copper alloy; either one gives a reliable mate with this plug. If you are replacing a damaged connector in the field, the threaded coupling means you can unscrew the old plug and install this one without disturbing the jack side.